Boot binding system with foot latch pedal

Abstract

Boot binding systems for riding a snow gliding board, including a pair of boot bindings, each member of the pair having a toe latch pedal mechanism at the toe end of a baseplate on which the rider's boot rests, the toe latch pedal having dual function to either a) attach each boot binding to a ride mode interface in ride mode configuration or to b) attach each boot binding to a ski touring mode interface in ski touring configuration. In a “release position” the toe latch pedal is disengaged so that the baseplate assembly may be detached or switched between the ski touring mode interface and the ride mode interface in alternation. In a “lock position”, the toe of the rider's boot depresses the toe latch pedal and locks the boot binding onto the selected interface. As co-planar with the baseplate, the latch pedal also supports the rider's boot when in the lock position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61 / 778,329, entitled “Boot Binding System with Foot Latch Pedal,” filed 2013 Mar. 12, and U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61 / 757,216, entitled “Boot Binding System with Foot Latch Pedal,” filed 2013 Jan. 27, said provisional patent documents being herein incorporated in full by reference for all purposes.GOVERNMENT SUPPORT[0002]Not Applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The invention relates generally to boot binding systems for use with snow gliding boards. More particularly, the invention relates to boot binding systems with a toe latch pedal.BACKGROUND[0004]Back-country splitboarding is a popular sport with a dedicated following. When fully assembled, a splitboard looks like a snowboard, but can be taken apart to form a pair of skis. The right and left “skis” of a splitboard are asymmetrical; i.e., they are the mirror halves of a snowboard—longitudinally cut ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Advantageously, a single moving part serves multiple functions in engaging either interface. The invention eliminates pins of the prior art that sometimes were lost during changeovers from touring to ride mode, and is robust, durable and resists snow impaction in the mechanism. The invention is an improvement over complex mechanisms of the prior art, some using separate locks for touring and ride mode, and is an advance in the art. The simplicity is reflected in that the locking mechanism may be actuated using only the rider's boot toe.

Problems solved by technology

However, the complexity of the mechanism is a disadvantage in that impacted snow tends to interfere with its operation.

A well-known drawback of this interface is the need for a special spanner tool to transfer the binding between ski mode to ride mode.

The use of two separate mechanisms for the toe pivot and ride mode interfaces adds complexity and weight.

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